Inter Forced To Drop Stars From Europa League Squad

As I speculated the other day, Inter have been forced to drop summer signings Joao Mario and Gabriel from their Europa League squad due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.

The FFP restrictions will not impact either player playing in Serie A, but Inter’s problems with FFP has seen them left out of their European squad.

In May the Nerazzurri were fined by UEFA for breaking FFP rules and they also agreed to limit their squad selection to 21 rather than the normal 25.

As a result Joao Mario and Gabriel have missed out on a place in the squad for Inter’s upcoming matches with Sparta Prague, Southampton and Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Group K.

Fellow new arrivals Antonio Candreva and Ever Banega are included, but there is no place for Stevan Jovetic or midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia.

Kondogbia missing out on Europa is a major surprise. He made 32 appearances in all competitions for Inter last season, and has played the full 90 minutes in both Serie A games this season. The decision not to include him in the Europa League squad is a coaches decision, and not due to FFP restrictions.